Late August 2015

August 31st. Rain most of day, making recording difficult.  The Barred Warbler was still near Mill Hill. A Corncrake was discovered in East Dunes. Around were 10 Spoonbill, 7 Spotted Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, 150 Sandwich Tern, 6 Whimbrel, a Turtle Dove, a Kingfisher, 24 Siskin, 7 Whinchat, 2 Redstart, a Goldcrest, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Pied Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were a Mediterranean Gull, a Kingfisher, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank and 4 Spotted Redshank. Flying gradually south-west were 45 Swallow, and north 4 Scaup, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Swift. Offshore were 50 Common Scoter, 380 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern, 80 Common Tern, 2 Kittiwake and 5 Arctic Skua.  A late afternoon ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by Mick Briggs, Nigel Judson and Christine Flint provided 19 new birds: a Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Whitethoat, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, a Coal Tit, 2 Chaffinch, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Greenfinch; and 4 retraps: a Great Tit, a Coal Tit, a Dunnock and a Greenfinch. August 30th. The Barred Warbler remained near Mill Hill. Other birds around, including those trapped, were 9 Spoonbill, a Temminck's Stint, a Merlin, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, a Hobby, a Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Pied Flycatcher and 3 Spotted Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were 8 Spotted Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. Going south were a Wood Sandpiper, 450 Swallow and 50 Sand Martin.  A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 44 new birds: 9 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 5 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, a Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Linnet, a Garden Warbler and a Dunnock; and 7 retraps: 3 Dunnock, a Great Tit, a Meadow Pipit, a Wren and a Whitethroat.  Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, while Mick Briggs was eagerly awaiting another influx of migrants, what he received was more of a trickle. A restricted number of nets was used due to the threat of rain and this resulted in 37 new birds and 5 retraps.  The new birds were 12 Blackcap, 7 Willow Warbler, 4 Dunnock, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird, 2 Garden Warbler and singles of Wren, Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, Reed Warbler and Robin. The retraps were singles of Dunnock, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Robin and Blue Tit.  Hopefully with rain this afternoon and heavier rain overnight accompanied by strengthening north easterlies, by the morning there could be some good arrivals of migrants along the east coast. However, it will be raining heavily for most of the day! Barred Warbler, 30th August 2015. Photo - Garry Wright Barred Warbler, 30th August 2015. Photo - Garry Wright Swallow, 30th August 2015. Photo - Garry Wright Swallow, 30th August 2015. Photo - Garry Wright August 29th. Around, including birds trapped were a Barred Warbler (near Mill Hill), 2 Wryneck, 18 Spoonbill, a Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Spotted Redshank, 25 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redstart, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear, 8 Whinchat, a Goldcrest, a Green Woodpecker, a Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 2 Short-eared Owl, an Arctic Skua, 2 Tree Pipit, a House Sparrow (scarce here) and 3 Siskin. Heading south were 5 Swift, a Grey Wagtail, 13 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.  A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 33 new birds: 8 Willow Warbler, 7 Robin, a Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Linnet, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Pied Flycatcher, a Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock; and 9 retraps: a Blackbird, a Robin, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Great Tit and 2 Dunnock.  Meanwhile at Aylmer Avenue, Ringer in Charge Mick Briggs was finishing the Constant Effort Site season off with session number 12. Along with other nets the total for a nine hour day was 114 new birds and 15 retraps. The new birds were 17 Greenfinch, 17 Chaffinch, 16 Blackcap, 13 Willow Warbler, 10 Robin, 9 Whitethroat, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, 3 Wren, 3 Blackbird, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Pied Flycatcher and singles of Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Wryneck and Song Thrush. The retraps were 3 Blue Tit, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock, 2 Wren and singles of Blackcap, Robin, Great Tit and Greenfinch.  At least 4 Pied Flycatcher were hunting around Aylmer Avenue by mid afternoon despite none being present in the morning - were they arriving through the day rather than overnight? The weather forecast for Sunday and into Bank Holiday Monday looks very exciting with showers and easterlies: there should be plenty more scarce migrants arriving along the east coast over the next 48 hours at least.  Pied Flycatcher, ringed 29th August 2015. Photo - Mick Briggs. Wryneck, ringed 29th August 2015. Photo - Mick Briggs. Wryneck, ringed 29th August 2015. Photo - Mick Briggs. Barred Warbler, 29th August 2015. Photo - James Siddle Barred Warbler, 29th August 2015. Photo - James Siddle Oystercatchers, 29th August 2015. Waders, 29th August 2015. Waders, 29th August 2015. August 28th. Increasing south-westerly wind.  Birds around, including those trapped, were 18 Spoonbill, a Wood Sandpiper, a Wheatear, 16 Whinchat, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Pipit, 2 Marsh Harrier and 8 Kestrel. On Tennyson Sands was a Little Stint. Flying south were 3500 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Wood Sandpiper and a Greenshank.  A morning ringing session in East Dunes, with Mike Polling and James Siddle, provided 50 new birds: 22 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 4 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Linnet, a Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, a Whinchat, a Swallow and a Tree Sparrow; and 8 retraps: 2 Wren, a Linnet, 2 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, a Pied Flycatcher and a Dunnock.  Lesser Whitethroat, 28th August 2015. Whinchat, 28th August. August 27th. Moderately strong south-westerly wind.  Around, including birds trapped, were a Honey Buzzard (over Croftmarsh briefly), a Red-backed Shrike (near Mill Hill), 17 Spoonbill, a Wood Sandpiper, 21 Geenshank, a Cuckoo, a Green Woodpecker, 18 Whinchat, 3 Redstart, a Tree Pipit and 5 Pied Flycatcher. On Tennyson's Sands were 7 Spotted Redshank and 2 Ruff. Going south were 3 Wood Sandpiper.  A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 24 new birds: 14 Willow Warbler, 3 Linnet, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and a Cuckoo; and 11 retraps: a Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Linnet, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Dunnock. Cuckoo, ringed 27th August 2015. Photo - George Gregory August 26th. Strong southerly wind, with morning rain, making recording difficult.  On Tennyson's Sands was a Temminck's Stint. Birds around included a Wryneck, 17 Spoonbill, a Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Whinchat, a Short-eared Owl and 2 Marsh Harrier. Offshore were a Pomarine Skua, 7 Arctic Skua, a Black-throated Diver and a Black Tern. Heading south were a Wood Sandpiper, 10 Ruff, 32 Shelduck and 2 Black Tern. Temminck's Stint, 26th August 2015. Photo - James Siddle Spoonbills, 26th August 2015. Photo - Fiona McKenna August 25th. Around, including birds trapped, were a Red-backed Shrike, 7 Wryneck, 15 Spoonbill, a Pomarine Skua, 5 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Whimbrel, 3 Redstart, 30 Whinchat, a Wheatear, 21 Pied Flycatcher, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 212 Willow Warbler, 4 Garden Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Tree Pipit, a Treecreeper, 5 Common Sandpiper, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, a Merlin and 6 Kestrel. On Jackson's Marsh were a Temminck's Stint, a Spotted Redshank and a Green Sandpiper, and on Tennyson's Sands a Wood Sandpiper. Flying south were 2 Buzzard, 19 Yellow Wagtail and a Wood Sandpiper.  A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 70 new birds: 50 Willow Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, 6 Robin, 4 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Linnet, a Garden Warbler, a Chaffinch, a Redstart, a Wryneck, a Greenfinch and 2 Dunnock; and 2 retraps: singles of Dunnock and Greenfinch. Red-backed Shrike, 25 August 2015. Photo - James Siddle Wryneck, 25 August 2015. Photo - James Siddle Red-backed Shrike in East Dunes, 25th August 2015 Photo - Nige Lound

Pied Flycatcher in East Dunes, 25th August 2015
Photo - Nige Lound

Wryneck, ringed 25 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 24th. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Wryneck, 17+ Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, a Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 40+ Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 10 Tree Pipit, 13 Common Sandpiper, 19 Greenshank, a Cuckoo, 2 Hobby and a Marsh Harrier. On Tennyson's Sands were a Little Stint, 5 Spotted Redshank, a Little Ringed Plover and a Wood Sandpiper. Going south was a Little Ringed Plover.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 40 new birds: 13 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Robin, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 4 Linnet, a Reed Bunting, a Reed Warbler, a Redstart and a Whinchat; and 7 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, 3 Dunnock and a Linnet.

Redstart, ringed 24 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Pied Flycatcher, ringed 24 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Whinchat, ringed 24 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 23rd. Strong easterly wind.
 Around were 15 Spoonbill, 2 Pintail, 181 Black-tailed Godwit, a Kingfisher, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Green Sandpiper, a Fieldfare, 7 Tree Sparrow, 2 Marsh Harrier, 19 Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper and 4 Spotted Redshank. On Tennyson's Sands briefly in the morning was a Red-necked Phalarope, then later 2 Little Ringed Plover. On the Mere were 3 Garganey. Offshore was a Pomarine Skua. Heading north over land were 52 Common Tern and north-west 110 Commic Tern.

Red-necked Phalarope, 23 August 2015.
Photo - James Siddle

Red-necked Phalarope, 23 August 2015.

Red-necked Phalarope, 23 August 2015.

August 22nd. On Tennyson's Sands were 16 Spoonbill, a Little Gull, a Spotted Redshank, a Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper. Other birds around included a Pomarine Skua, a Little Stint, 6 Black Tern, 260 Common Tern, 6 Arctic Tern, 550 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Tern, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Merlin, a Peregrine, 2 Whinchat, a Wheatear, 2 Tree Sparrow and 7 Common Sandpiper. Flying south were a Siskin, 21 Swift, 400 Swallow, 32 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sand Martin and 2 Marsh Harrier.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 40 new birds: 6 Willow Warbler, 7 Linnet, a Chaffinch, a Reed Bunting, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, a Blackcap, a Swallow, a Reed Warbler and 6 Dunnock; and 11 retraps: 3 Great Tit, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Wren and a Blackcap.

August 21st. Around the reserve were 12 Spoonbill, 21 Arctic Skua (mostly south), a Turtle Dove, a Greenshank and a Whimbrel. Offshore were 2 Pomarine Skua (which had roosted on a sandbar overnight), a Scaup and 15 Eider. Going south were 23 Black Tern, 180 Gannet, a Hobby, 15 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 13 Ruff, 5 Turnstone, 15 Swift, 12 Sand Martin and 750 Swallow.
 Butterflies included a Painted Lady.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 3 new birds: a Blackcap and 2 Linnet; and 2 retraps: a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat.

The first juvenile Black-tailed Godwit of the autumn, 21 August 2015.

Spotted Redshank chasing a Redshank, 21 August 2015.

Spoonbills, 21 August 2015.

Mid August 2015

August 20th. At various sites on the reserve were 13 Spoonbill, a Short-eared Owl. Offshore and around the beach were 2 Pomarine Skua, 750 Sandwich Tern and a Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh was a Little Stint, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Heading south were 120 Sandwich Tern, 14 Swift, 45 Swallow and 2 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 7 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Linnet; and 2 retraps: a Wren and a Dunnock.

August 19th. Soggy start, then dried out.
 Around the reserve were 7 Spoonbill, a Redstart, 21 Willow Warbler, a Cuckoo, 2 Treecreeper, a Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, a Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Green Sandpiper and 2 Marsh Harrier. On the water bodies were a Little Stint, 2 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Flying south were a Pomarine Skua, 8 Black Tern, 88 Knot, 62 Golden Plover, 16 Ringed Plover,  a Tree Pipit, 2 Siskin, 120 Swallow and a Swift, and north 53 Common Scoter.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 5 new birds: a Garden Warbler and 4 Linnet; and 2 retraps: singles of Wren and Whitethroat.

August 18th. Rain all day.
 Around the reserve were 5 Spoonbill. On Tennyson's Sands were a Little Stint, 5 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank, and on Jackson's Marsh a Little Ringed Plover.

August 17th. Around the reserve were 8 Spoonbill, 8 Buzzard (including 3 south), 2 Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine, a Garden Warbler, a Chiffchaff, a Cuckoo, 5 Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. On the water bodies were a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe, 168 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone and 2 Greenshank. Going south were 2 Whimbrel, a Ruff and 2 Swallow, and north an Arctic Skua.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 6 new birds: a Robin, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Dunnock; and 3 retraps: 2 Whitethroat and a Dunnock.

Spoonbill, 17 August 2015.

August 16th. Around the reserve were 12 Spoonbill, 3 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Cuckoo, a Kingfisher, a Bullfinch, 2 Treecreeper, a Wheatear, 4 Common Sandpiper and 3 Whimbrel. Offshore were 55000 Knot, 360 Sandwich Tern and 6 Arctic Skua. On Tennyson's Sands were 3 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover and a Ruff. Heading south were a Swift and 6 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 19 new birds: a Wren, 7 Willow Warbler, a Robin, 7 Whitethroat, a Dunnock, a Woodpigeon and a Sparrowhawk; and 6 retraps: 3 Wren, 2 Dunnock and a Blackcap.
  Meanwhile over at Aylmer Avenue, Mick Briggs had finally managed to get a free day when there wasn't any net ride maintenance to do and it wasn't raining, so a lengthy ringing session ensued which included the 11th C.E.S. of the year. His efforts were amply rewarded with the biggest catch of the year so far: 148 new birds and 38 retraps.
  The new birds were 50 Greenfinch, 17 Blackcap, 14 Chaffinch, 12 Willow Warbler, 10 Great Tit, 9 Blue Tit, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Dunnock, 5 Wren, 5 Robin, 3 Linnet, 2 Reed Warbler and singles of Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, Goldfinch and Blackbird.
  The retraps were 8 Dunnock, 6 Blue Tit, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Wren, 3 Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Blackcap, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Blackbird and a single Willow Warbler.

Sparrowhawk, ringed 16 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 15th. Soggy start.
 A Black Stork was seen briefly about midday over the western side of Croftmarsh. At various sites on the reserve were 12 Spoonbill; they are most often seen from Wash Viewpoint, Jackson's Marsh Hide or Harvey's Hide. On the water bodies were 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank and 2 Green Sandpiper. Around were a Mediterranean Gull, a Merlin, a Cuckoo, 2 Turtle Dove, a Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank. Heading south was a Ruff. Wader movements offshore included 45000 Knot, 990 Grey Plover, 500 Oystercatcher, 7700 Sanderling, 9400 Dunlin and 2 Curlew Sandpiper.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 5 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, a Linnet and a Lesser Whitethroat; and 6 retraps: a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock and 2 Whitethroat.

Spoonbill, 15 August 2015.

Spoonbill, 15 August 2015.

Muntjac, 15 August 2015.

Juvenile Goldfinch, one of many finches in flocks here recently, 15 August 2015.

Spotted Redshanks feeding, 15 August 2015.

Spoonbills, 15 August 2015.

Juvenile Dunlin, 15 August 2015.

August 14th. Soggy start, then overcast and foggy.
 On the water bodies were 14 Spoonbill, 18 Common Tern, 180 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 23 Greenshank and 3 Spotted Redshank. Birds around, including those trapped, were 3 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Garden Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank. Offshore or going to roost were a Roseate Tern, a Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, a Black Tern, 1200 Sandwich Tern, 13 Arctic Tern, 320 Common Tern, 2 Little Term, 3 Mediterranean Gull and 7 Kittiwake.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: a Wren, a Pied Flycatcher, a Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Dunnock and a Sparrowhawk; and 10 retraps: 3 Blackcap, 2 Wren, 3 Dunnock, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Robin.

Pied Flycatcher, ringed 14 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Sparrowhawk, ringed 14 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

Grasshopper Warbler, ringed 14 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 13th. Fairly strong north-easterly wind.
 On the water bodies were 4 Spoonbill and 9 Greenshank. On Tennyson's Sands were 179 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Around were a Whinchat, 2 Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. Around the beach were 1150 Sandwich Tern and a Mediterranean Gull. Flying north at sea were a Long-tailed Skua, 2 Manx Shearwater, 560 Sandwich Tern, 34 Common Tern, 76 Gannet, 21 Arctic Skua, 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Fulmar, a Little Gull, 12 Kittiwake, a Yellow-legged Gull and 43 Common Scoter, and south 20 Gannet and 9 Arctic Skua. North over land flew a Hobby, and south a Marsh Harrier.
 A wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 4 new birds: a Lesser Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Meadow Pipit and a Woodpigeon; and 3 retraps: a Great Tit, a Wren and a Dunnock.

August 12th. Around the reserve were 10 Spoonbill, a Whimbrel, a Peregrine and a Buzzard. On Tennyson's Sands were 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 7 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Robin, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; and 5 retraps: 2 Dunnock and 3 Whitethroat.

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Spoonbill, 12 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Great Spotted Woodpecker, ringed 12 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 11th. At various sites on the reserve were 16 Spoonbill. Also around were a Kingfisher, 3 Buzzard, a Peregrine and a Marsh Harrier. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 13 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit; and 2 retraps: singles of Whitethroat and Dunnock.

Robber Fly with prey.
 Photo - Sam Wilson

Early August 2015

August 10th. On the estuary were now 6+ Spoonbill. Around were 3 Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, a Cuckoo, a Whimbrel, a Greenshank and a Tree Sparrow. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Flying south were 25 Swallow and 6 Sand Martin.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 9 new birds: 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch and a Dunnock; and 9 retraps: 2 Dunnock, 4 Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Wren and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Male Emerald Damselfly on Square Pond. 10th August 2015
Photo: Nige Lound

August 9th. On the estuary were 3 Spoonbill. Birds around included a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, a Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank and a Kingfisher. Going south were a Red Kite and 4 Swift.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 11 new birds: a Willow Warbler, a Robin, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Linnet, 5 Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Cuckoo; and 4 retraps: singles of Lesser Whitethroat, Dunnock, Wren and Sedge Warbler.

Cuckoo, ringed 9 August 2015.
 Photo - George Gregory

August 8th. The Black Stork reappeared mid morning over Croftmarsh, and then flew off south-west towards Wainfleet. Around were 15 Spoonbill, 19 Tree Sparrow, a Stonechat, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank and 150 Swallow. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and 8 Greenshank.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 11 new birds: 3 Willow Warbler, a Wren, a Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, a Swallow, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Goldfinch and a Swallow; and 11 retraps: 3 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 4 Whitethroat and a Blackcap.
 Moths included a Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

August 7th. The Black Stork reappeared, flying south-west at 1110hrs and seen north of Croftmarsh at 1500hrs. A Bee-eater was discovered high over Old Saltmarsh, then probably flew off south-west with Swallows. The Nightjar was relocated briefly at the north end of West Dunes, very early morning. Other birds around included 17 Spoonbill, 6 Marsh Harrier, 3 Buzzard, a Hobby, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 4 Whimbrel, 9 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Whimbrel, 150 Swallow and a Spotted Flycatcher. Heading south were a Red Kite, 5 Whimbrel, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 3 Siskin, and north 50 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, a Black Tern, 90 Common Tern, 30 Arctic Tern and a Snipe.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes provided 23 new birds: 4 Willow Warbler, a Treecreeper, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnet, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, a Robin, a Yellow Wagtail and a Reed Warbler; and 5 retraps: a Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, a Wren and a Whitethroat.

Treecreeper, ringed 7 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 6th. A Nightjar was discovered at the north end of West Dunes, early morning. Also around were 14 Spoonbill, a Peregrine, 7 Marsh Harrier (including 5 south), a Treecreeper, a Kingfisher, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Green Woodpecker, a Ruff, 9 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 177 Black-tailed Godwit and 28 Greenshank. On Tennyson's Sands were a Wood Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, a Golden Plover and a Little Gull. Offshore were 4 Arctic Skua. Flying south were 2 Razorbill, 100 Swallow and 150 Swift, and north 9 Common Scoter.
 The tenth session of CES was done this morning. The 34 new birds were 6 Wren, 10 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, a Linnet, a Robin, a Swallow, a Blue Tit, 6 Dunnock and a Blackbird. The 11 retraps were 2 Dunnock, 3 Blackbird, a Willow Warbler, 3 Wren, a Blue Tit and a Whitethroat.

Colour-ringed Spoonbill, 6 August 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

August 5th. A Black Stork was seen twice over the reserve in the morning, then flew off inland. Around were a Crossbill, 2 Green Woodpecker, 15 Willow Warbler, 6 Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh were 2 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper and 180 Black-tailed Godwit. Going south were 60 Swift and 11 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 6 new birds: singles of Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Linnet, Blackbird and Kingfisher; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Wren.

Black Stork, 5 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Black Stork, 5 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Black Stork, 5 August 2015.
Photo - Steven Humphreys

Kingfisher, ringed 5 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 4th. Birds around included a Montagu's Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Peregrine, 2 Hobby, a Merlin, a Mediterranean Gull, 6050 Sanderling, 29800 Knot, 2 Green Sandpiper, 27 Greenshank, 185 Lapwing and 129 Black-tailed Godwit, a Brent Goose, 50 Common Tern and 3 Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh were 14 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and 2 Turnstone. Heading south were a Black Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 6 Whimbrel, 2500 Swift, 4 Crossbill, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 95 Sand Martin and 792 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes yielded 14 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Wren, 2 Blackcap, a Swallow and a Garden Warbler; and 5 retrap Whitethroat.

Garden Warbler, ringed 4 August 2015.
Photo - George Gregory

August 3rd. Moderately strong southerly wind.
 Around were 4 Willow Warbler, a Marsh Harrier, a Green Woodpecker, a Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel. On Jackson's Marsh were 15 Spoonbill, 3 Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank, and on Tennyson's Sands a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Spotted Redshank and 16 Greenshank. Flying south were 35 Swift and 8 Swallow.
 A brief, wind-restricted morning ringing session in East Dunes provided just a new Whitethroat; and 3 retraps: a Dunnock and 2 Whitethroat.

August 2nd. Birds around included 4 Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Cuckoo,  2200 Sandwich Tern, 23850 Knot, 9000 Sanderling and 9250 Dunlin. On Tennyson's Sands were 9 Spoonbill, 12 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and 103 Black-tailed Godwit; and on Jackson's Marsh a Green Sandpiper. Going south were a Wood Sandpiper, 17 Turnstone, 55 Swift, 120 Sand Martin and 566 Swallow.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes produced 18 new birds: 5 Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Linnet, a Robin and 2 Swallow; and 10 retraps: 3 Whitethroat, a Linnet, 3 Dunnock, a Wren, a Great Tit and a Blackcap.
 A morning ringing session at Aylmer Avenue by David Vincent resulted in 66 new birds and 20 retraps. The new birds were 26 Greenfinch, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Dunnock, 5 Linnet, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Great Tit, 4 Blackbird, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Whitethroat and singles of Wren, Blackcap, Robin, Magpie and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The retraps were 8 Great Tit, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock and singles of Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Wren, Linnet and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Willow Warbler, 2 August 2015.

Waders at high tide, 2 August 2015.

Waders on falling tide, 2 August 2015.

August 1st. Near the Wash Viewpoint were 2 Bee-eater until 0930hrs, when they flew off west. On Jackson's Marsh were 16 Spoonbill, and on Tennyson's Sands 2 Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and 12 Greenshank. Around were a Montagu's Harrier, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Kingfisher, a Wheatear, 17 Yellow Wagtail, an Arctic Skua and 10000 Knot. Heading south were 50 Sand Martin, 220 Swallow and 11 Whimbrel.
 A morning ringing session in East Dunes resulted in 15 new birds: a Wren, 3 Willow Warbler, a Robin, 5 Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 2 Linnet, a Yellow Wagtail and a Dunnock; and 8 retraps: 2 Wren, a Linnet, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Great Tit.

Colour-ringed Little Egret, 1 August 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth

Despite the lowest water levels for some years it is encouraging to see Little Grebes continuing to rear young; 1 August 2015.
Photo - Stuart Ainsworth